I had to wear mask to hide my teeth

Nicholas Reefer wears a mask because he is self-conscious of his teeth

A man who has not been able to see an NHS dentist for years started wearing a mask to hide his teeth.

Nicholas Reefer, 50, said he lost his upper dentures along with his confidence, but has not been able to book in for NHS treatment.

"I've got a few stumps left in my mouth," he said. "This is really difficult for me, doing this interview, but I do need help."

He has now been offered treatment using a charity's new mobile dentist unit, which was launched in Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday.

"Everyone should be entitled to healthcare"

Dentaid uses a mobile treatment unit to offer dental advice, fillings and other treatments for vulnerable people, who are experiencing homelessness or substance abuse issues.

"I've tried everything I could to get an NHS dentist," Mr Reefer added. "I was on their books, but everywhere has gone private.

"I even moved back to London to see if I could get treated there, but it's the same everywhere. There's no hope."

The new service will serve diverse groups, including people experiencing homelessness, survivors of abuse, cancer patients, fishing communities, families living below the poverty line, and those at risk due to substance misuse.

Jill Flanagan, head of service delivery at We Are With You - a drug and alcohol community service - said the dental unit was "important".

"A lot of people who use drugs and alcohol are suffering with dental problems," she added.

"This is a great opportunity we have for people who use our service to get their teeth seen. Everyone should be entitled to healthcare.

"We have spoken to some of our service users who have received it, and they described it as life-changing. It's built confidence and self esteem."

The charity's ninth dentist unit was launched on Tuesday

This year, Dentaid will hold nearly 900 charity dental clinics across the UK, an increase from 422 clinics in 2023.  

CEO of Dentaid, Andy Evans, said dental care can "transform lives by alleviating pain and boosting confidence".

"It's very difficult because just having a booked appointment and turning up somewhere can be really scary," he said.

"By taking this service to them and working with them and their care workers, we're able to get them on board and create a reassuring service for them.

"A smile is something everyone wants to have and if you're very conscious about your teeth, it doesn't help your self esteem.

"If we can provide them with a decent smile, it helps them with their recovery."